EXCLUSIVE: Why Adelabu, Alausa, Pate did not resign over 2027 governorship ambitions

By Raphael Innocent –

Some senior officials in the current administration with reported governorship ambitions did not resign their positions ahead of the March 31 deadline due to political and strategic considerations, sources have revealed to Western Post.

A circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, had directed public office holders intending to participate in party primaries for the 2027 elections to step down in line with provisions of the amended Electoral Act.

However, only three ministers complied with the directive before the deadline. They are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Tanko Sununu; and Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali.

Other prominent officials, including the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, Muhammad Ali Pate, remained in office after the deadline elapsed.

Sources indicated that the decision by the trio was influenced by uncertainties surrounding their political ambitions. It was gathered that Alausa had considered resigning but was advised during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa to remain in his position.

Similarly, Pate was said to have been encouraged to continue in office, while Adelabu reportedly faced constraints in consulting key political stakeholders in Abuja regarding his governorship plans, with some allies urging him not to step down.

Meanwhile, the legality of the directive requiring federal political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries has come under scrutiny.

Analysts argue that such a provision may only be enforceable at the state level, as it could conflict with constitutional requirements, which mandate resignation closer to the general election rather than before party primaries.